Cassandra’s POV“This isn’t what you think it is,” I began, my voice trembling as I searched for the right words, desperate to piece together an explanation that might calm the storm brewing before me. My heart raced, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on my chest.“I was choking on my food, and I clearly needed his help. What else was I supposed to do?” I glanced at Nathaniel, hoping my words would sink in. “Would you rather I sit there gasping for air until I black out?” I let out a frustrated sigh and rolled my eyes, but the tension in the air only thickened.Killian’s expression, once animated, hardened into a mask of irritation. His tone was sharp, each word clipped with a cool finality. “Yeah, that’s what happened.” He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as if he were done entertaining the conversation. “Now, since we’re not finished eating, can we just proceed and finish in peace?”But peace wasn’t something Nathaniel seemed willing to grant. “No,” he said, his vo
Nathaniel’s POV“Drink, huh? Can someone explain why we’re downing strong liquor at this hour?” Hugh grumbled, setting his empty glass on the table with a loud clink before motioning for another. “It’s eight o’clock, for crying out loud, and we’re in a bar like a couple of heartbroken teens.”I barely heard him over the noise of the bar. The place buzzed with life—laughter, clinking glasses, muffled conversations blending into a chaotic hum. But none of it reached me. My focus was on the glass in my hand, its amber contents swirling like the storm inside me. I took a slow sip before leaning closer to him, lowering my voice. “Do you remember the girl I told you about?”Hugh looked up mid-swig, his brows furrowing as he tried to recall. “The one who just… what did you say? Randomly spawned into your life?” He smirked. “Like some NPC character in a game, right? And now she’s got you all tied up in her little web?”I nodded, tightening my grip on the glass. “Yeah. Cassandra Reed.” The nam
Cassandra’s POV“I’m really sorry, Killian,” I said as soon as I saw him waiting downstairs, his tall figure leaning casually against his car. My voice was rushed, laced with guilt. “My boss was signing papers, and I completely lost track of time. I did set an alarm, but it didn’t give me enough time to be with you. I’m deeply sorry.”Killian’s expression softened, and he gave me a small, reassuring smile. “No, it’s fine. I’m just glad I could pick you up.” He paused, stepping forward to take my bag without hesitation. “It’s getting late, and I figured it would be hard to find a cab at this hour.”“Thank you,” I said, climbing into the passenger seat. The moment I settled in, his scent filled the air—clean and familiar, mixed with the faint leather smell of the interior. The car itself was sleek and pristine, the kind of vehicle that screamed wealth and privilege, far beyond what someone like me could ever dream of affording.“You really are something else,” I blurted out, my fingers
Cassandra’s POVBefore I could voice my thoughts, Killian filled in the blanks. “She was Nathaniel’s cousin,” he explained, his tone steady but distant, as though he were reciting facts he’d long memorized. “Which is part of the reason why, professionally, Nathaniel and I work well together. But personally…” He trailed off, shrugging lightly. “Let’s just say we don’t see eye to eye.”The revelation left me stunned. “Wait,” I said, piecing it together slowly. “You were with her for twelve years. That means… were you childhood friends with Andrea? Did you grow up close to the Sinclairs?”Killian shook his head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “No. Andrea and her family didn’t associate much with Nathaniel’s side. They shared blood, sure, but their relationship was distant. Nathaniel’s family kept to themselves, living a quiet, private life. They only ever showed up for reunions or special occasions. You know, ribbon cuttings for new companies, charity galas—that kind of
“Sebastian, darling!”I froze in place as an elegant elderly woman rose from the couch and walked briskly toward Sebastian, planting a kiss on his cheeks. Her movements were fluid, graceful, like she belonged on the cover of a magazine.“Mom? What are you doing here?” Sebastian laughed softly, leaning in to kiss her cheeks in return. His demeanor shifted—warm, affectionate, sweet. It was so different from the composed and businesslike Sebastian I thought I knew.A strange emotion stirred inside me. Admiration? Curiosity? Perhaps something more complicated. So, this was his mother.She was stunning—radiant, even. Not the typical portrayal of a wealthy mother in movies. No arrogance, no cold demeanor. Instead, she exuded a kind of warmth and sophistication that could disarm anyone. Her beauty was undeniable, but her kindness... that intrigued me most.“I just wanted to see my son. Surely, there’s nothing wrong with that!” she said with a wide smile that made it impossible not to like he
Cassandra’s POVOuch.I hadn’t realized how much hearing him label me as just a friend would sting. I forced a smile and took a bite of pasta to distract myself from the strange ache in my chest.His mother, however, wasn’t convinced. “That’s basically the same thing, Sevi,” she said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.“Mom,” he groaned, dragging a hand over his face.I couldn’t help but smile at their exchange. She was so natural, so comfortable with him, and it made me realize how different our dynamics were. While my relationship with my own mother had always been formal and a little distant, theirs was filled with warmth and teasing.“I noticed you like giving people nicknames,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “Sevi, huh?”“Oh, absolutely,” she said, beaming. “I believe nicknames bring people closer. And since you’re practically part of the family now, we’ll need one for you too.”“Mom,” Sebastian cut in, his tone a mix of frustration and amusement, “she’s not par
Cassandras POV“I’m sorry about my family—they’re a bit messy,” Sebastian said as we drove back, his voice tinged with genuine embarrassment.“What? No! You don’t need to apologize for them,” I replied quickly, turning to him with a reassuring smile. “In fact, it was one of the best nights I’ve had in a long time!”He glanced at me, his brows slightly furrowed. “Really? With all that chaos?”I nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Your family is lively, full of love. It was… refreshing. You’re lucky to have them.”He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “Well, if you say so. I just hope Naiomi didn’t scare you off.”I laughed. “She’s adorable. A little bold, maybe, but I can see how much she adores you. She’s lucky to have a brother like you.”Sebastian raised an eyebrow, pretending to be offended. “Adorable? That girl is a professional menace.”“Hmm,” I teased, tapping my chin dramatically. “You don’t fool me, Sebastian. I saw the way you dragged her upstairs—pure affection.”He snort
Cassandra’s POVShe stood out on one of his posts, looking effortlessly beautiful. Her black dress clung to her in all the right ways, and the birthday hat on her head seemed to almost mock my own insecurities. She didn’t look awkward or silly—she looked radiant. The kind of woman who could wear a potato sack and still make you stop and stare.I tapped on the picture, curiosity prickling my skin, and began to swipe left.The first image showed her blowing out the candles on a cake, her face illuminated by the soft glow of the flames. She was surrounded by laughter, surrounded by life. And she was beautiful. Not just in the physical sense, but in the way she wore joy so naturally. Her smile was pure, unguarded—something I hadn’t seen from Killian, not in the brief time I’d known him.She looked like a goddess.The next slide took my breath away. There she was again, this time with Killian, his lips pressed against her cheek in a sweet kiss. The warmth between them was tangible, and for
Killian’s POV“One woman was rushed to the hospital after suffering a fatal injury. An eight-wheeled truck reportedly crashed into her, threatening her life. The doctors are still in search of her family, and she is currently undergoing surgery.” The words from a guest’s phone echoed in the room, sending a chill down my spine.I was about to check the news on my phone when suddenly, mine started ringing. Without hesitation, I picked it up, hoping it was someone I knew, maybe someone who could offer some distraction from the overwhelming emotions flooding my chest.“Hello?” I tried to steady my voice, but it was hard. My throat was raw from crying, and every word felt like it was being squeezed out of me. I could barely breathe, my chest tight with the weight of it all. My tears had come down in a relentless stream, and now they seemed to have dried up, leaving a cold emptiness.I waited, my heart pounding, trying to focus on the sound of the voice on the other end. It was heavy breath
Cassandra’s POV“Cassandra, stop!” His voice was louder now, firm and filled with anguish. “You don’t have to listen to her. Don’t let her push you away.”I clenched my fists at my sides, summoning every ounce of resolve I had left. “Killian, please,” I said softly, my voice cracking. “Don’t make this harder.”He stepped closer, his eyes locked onto mine. “Harder? Watching you walk away is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said, his voice breaking.Tears blurred my vision, but I shook my head, refusing to let them fall. “This isn’t about what you want, Killian. It’s about what’s best for you,” I whispered, my voice trembling.“You think this is what’s best?” he shot back, his frustration evident. “Letting her dictate my life? Pushing you away?”His mother’s voice cut through like ice. “You’ll thank me one day, Killian. She’s nothing but a distraction—a liability. You’ll see that I’m right.”I couldn’t take it anymore. Without another word, I turned and walked away, my steps hurried
Cassandra’s POVThe sharp sting across my cheek left me momentarily frozen, my mind racing to process what had just happened. My skin burned as though it were on fire, and instinctively, my hand rose to touch the spot, trying to dull the pain.It wasn’t just the slap that stunned me—it was the sheer venom behind it.“None of this would have happened if you hadn’t shown up!” Killian’s mother seethed, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. Her eyes were cold, filled with disdain as she stepped closer, pointing an accusatory finger at me. “What’s your relationship with Nathaniel, huh? Are you scheming something wicked for my son?”Before I could even respond, Killian was by my side, wrapping his arms around me protectively. “Mom, what the hell are you doing?!” he shouted, his voice shaking with both anger and fear.I could feel his hands trembling as they gently touched my cheek, his eyes scanning the redness that had begun to spread across my skin. “Are you okay?” he whispered
Cassandra’s POVThe words stung as they left my mouth, but I forced myself to hold his gaze. I couldn’t afford to let him see how his persistence rattled me, how his proximity made my heart race in ways I couldn’t control.For a moment, he didn’t say anything. His eyes flickered with a mix of emotions—hurt, frustration, something else I couldn’t name.I turned away, chugging the rest of my drink in an effort to drown the tension between us. “Besides,” I added, my tone quieter now, “we both know how this would end. Your family would never allow it. They’d see me as nothing but a threat to their perfect little world.”His brows furrowed, but I didn’t let him speak. “You know I’m right,” I said, my voice sharpening again. “I’ve seen how families like yours operate. Wealthy, powerful—they protect their image at all costs. They’d make my life hell, Nathaniel. Just like today. They’d push me into a corner until I had no choice but to walk away.”I paused, the memories of his family’s icy di
Cassandra’s POVI thought I would finally be able to go home, escape this unbearable atmosphere, but I was wrong. Killian had been called over to his parents' table, leaving me behind. So, there I was, tucked away in a corner, holding a glass of champagne like a lifeline, watching the world around me as though I were a ghost.The Luthers were the picture of unity, gathered in their little circle, speaking in low, sophisticated tones that carried an air of exclusivity. Their laughter rose above the quiet hum of the room, light and effortless, as if the world existed solely for their enjoyment.And then there was me.The outsider.I felt the weight of it settle on my chest, heavy and suffocating. I wasn’t just out of place; I was a world away from these people, their conversations about business, legacy, and things I couldn’t even pretend to understand. I sipped my champagne, the fizzy liquid doing nothing to soothe the gnawing ache of my loneliness."Lord, if you’re listening," I thoug
Cassandra’s POV“Who did you come with tonight?” Killian’s voice cut through the tension, his tone light but his words sharp enough to provoke. “Have you finally found yourself someone worth bringing to an event, or are you… lonely?”The corner of Killian’s mouth twitched, hinting at an inside joke I wasn’t privy to. From the way Nathaniel’s lips curled into a smirk, it was clear this wasn’t their first verbal sparring match.Nathaniel chuckled, a low sound that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Lonely? Hardly.” He lifted his glass lazily, taking a sip as his eyes flicked to me, lingering just a second too long. “But no, I didn’t come with anyone. I can’t seem to find someone who compares to the beauty of the woman you brought tonight. Quite the catch, isn’t she?”His gaze felt like a spotlight, making my skin prickle uncomfortably. I gripped Killian’s hand tighter, hoping he didn’t notice.“Is that so?” Killian replied smoothly, a teasing edge in his voice. “Well, don’t worry. You’ll gro
Cassandra’s POVEveryone… they were all so foreign to me. Their polished appearances, the way they moved and spoke—it all screamed wealth and status. It wasn’t just the designer clothing or the champagne glasses they held; it was in the way they carried themselves, as though they owned the world. I felt like a misplaced puzzle piece, too dull to fit into their gilded picture.The way they toasted champagne and seamlessly discussed mergers and investments left me in a haze of inadequacy. What could I possibly contribute to this? That I was a secretary for the biggest company in New York City, and their son—Killian—was out of his mind for dragging me into this?I glanced at him as he walked confidently beside me, his every move exuding a natural charisma that seemed to command respect from everyone around us. He greeted people effortlessly, exchanging names and smiles with men in tailored suits and women adorned in glittering jewelry. I didn’t recognize a single face. These weren’t peop
Cassandra’s POVI stared at the words for a moment, my pulse quickening. I felt a strange mix of nerves and excitement stir in my chest.I took a deep breath and gave myself one last glance in the mirror. “You’ve got this,” I whispered to myself. No matter what happened tonight, I was ready.I made my way down the stairs, my heart pounding as I approached the door. But when I saw him standing there, my steps faltered for a moment. Killian looked nothing like the man I was used to. He was wearing a perfectly tailored business coat, and his presence seemed to demand attention. His charisma radiated off him, stronger than I had ever felt before. It was as if he had stepped into a whole new version of himself, one I hadn’t seen until now.He turned toward me, his eyes locking onto mine. “God, you look as beautiful as ever,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with admiration. I felt a warmth spread through me at his words, but it was more than just a compliment—it felt genuine, like he tru
Cassandra’s POV“Did you see the dress I bought you?” Killian’s deep, composed voice came through the phone, laced with a touch of anticipation. “I had it sent over by the maids earlier.”I glanced at the dress draped across my bed, its shimmering fabric catching the light. Still wrapped in my bathrobe, I hesitated, my fingers lightly brushing the intricate details of the gown. It was breathtaking—sleek and elegant, with crisscross straps that dipped daringly low in the back. The kind of dress that belonged in glamorous magazines or on red carpets, not in my modest world.“Yes, I see it,” I replied softly, biting my lip.“And?” he prompted.“It’s… stunning,” I admitted, my voice trailing off. “But do I really have to wear something like this? I’ve never worn anything so beautiful before. Honestly, I’m scared I won’t do it justice.”A short pause lingered on the other end of the line before he responded, his tone firmer now. “Of course you should wear it. I chose it for you, Cassandra,